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Celebrating the 150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE WELLINGTON BOTANIC GARDEN FOUNDED 20TH OCTOBER 1868 HISTORY AND HERITAGE To mark this event several publications have been prepared to record its story. They are in pdf format to download from the Friends web site and view on your computer. Instructions are included to print if required, also binding formatting requirements. The Shepherd and Cook garden history
was completed in the early 1980s.
They are available AT
NO COST, Click
on link to download file, then save to your computer
for future reference, and to save additional
downloads. NOTE:
Files have been prepared for computer/web
viewing. The publications are The 13 acre reserve (AKA Main Garden) A basically chronological record of its
development.
 This publication comprises 44 pages and over 60 graphic files, photos, maps etc. It focusses on the physical development of the site, and the significant land modification that has taken place. The original site was split by the deep, heavily vegetated Pipitea Stream which ran through the valley floor, and which was initially bridged by culverts to have access to the best areas, before finally being piped and filled in with material from what became Magpie Lawn. Extensive earthworks were also undertaken to develop the Sound Shell Lawn, and the area around the Mairiri Road Entrance. From high ridges to more moderate slopes, deep steeply sided naturally bush clothed gullies eroded from the valley floor, and what limited flat land there was tended to be very wet, especially in the winter, this has been transformed over the last 150 years to what we see and enjoy today. Trees and plants have changed over the years, but with historic specimens still present, and facilities improved. Apart from Pinus radiata, the introduction of the plants and trees which formed a central part of the initial operation of the garden has not been covered, as it would require a publication of its own. The development of this area is a fascinating one, and this comprehensive review covers many aspects over its 150 years of existence, from the very earliest days before it became a garden, to now. Initially it was described as a Colonial Garden, established by the then Government for the benefit of the whole country. It was only in 1891 when the Wellington City Council took over its management did it become a true 'Wellington' garden, and become available for recreational use by the citizens of this city. . Author P C Tomlinson THE DIRECTORS' LEGACY The Directors Legacy CLICK TO DOWNLOAD Focussing on the various directors of the garden over the years, and the legacy they have left for us all to enjoy.
 This comprehensive publication covered both
the 13 acre reserve/Main Garden and the later added
Wesleyan Reserve It comprises some 12 pages, with some 170
illustrations. It reviews what the area was like
before the garden was developed, and the main work
done to produce what we see today. The
publication looks at the work of all the various
directors, curators, managers that have worked on the
garden, plus some other important individuals who have
left their mark on the landscape. This publication looks at the history of the
Wellington Botanic Garden, or rather the major events
associated with the directors, keepers, managers,
curators, etc. over the years, and the legacy they
have left. It is easy to forget that the garden we see
today is very different from what existed 150 years
ago. We often forget that the site has been
significantly altered as part of its
development. The main land modifications have
been - - Around
1882-84 the levelling of the area we now know as the
Sound Shell Lawn. The cutting of the bank under
Dray Road (now Buchanan Way) and the building of the
bank along William Bramley Drive, to provide a
flat area, not the moderately steep slope that
originally existed.
- November 1906 clearing of vegetation and installing drainage prior to filling Honeymans Gully under Anderson Park to create a sports ground. Gully south of Anderson Park remains. - 1907 the Mariri Road entrance was cleared of pines and the area significantly re-contoured. - From 1927 to 1930 the Pipitea Stream running for most of the length of Glenmore Street was cleared of vegetation, and the stream was piped. The area was then filled by spoil from what was to become Magpie Lawn. The stream through the Duck Pond was rerouted. - From 1931 to 1934 demolition of the western ridge to its present level and filling the southern end of Honeymans Gully and laying extensive storm water drains took place. The level of Anderson Park was raised to conform with that of the new extension. The new land was used for extra sports fields until, with Anderson Park, it became the site of an American Marine Camp during the Second World War. After the war it was restored and used as a sports ground until the building of the Lady Norwood Rose Garden from 1951. - During 2016-17 to allow the construction of the Children's Garden (now Discovery Garden) extensive eartworks were undertaken to the site for the new garden and provide the building platform and terraced garden area. We look at these developments, and other changes which have altered the Wellington Botanic Garden over the last 150 years, providing the features we enjoy so much today. Author P C Tomlinson A modern history including much new material not available earlier
The Nurseries of
the Wellington Botanic Garden have a fascinating
history, but one that has been fraught with
controversy and confusion over the years. In
this publication, using new sources and the
personal memories of Donal Duthe and Walter Cook
in particular, much of this history has been
revised. While the nurseries story has been
discussed in other publications, this revises
and corrects much of the earlier information,
and also reveals much new detail on the
buildings.
Unfortunately much of the early Garden records on this area no longer exist. Some information has been available in the Shepherd/Cook history, and in other council files and early Botanic Garden Board Annual Reports. The Papers Past Archive has provided considerable insight and details not otherwise known, as well as images from early newspapers not readily seen. Donal Duthie and Walter Cook, both of whom worked in the nursery, have been able to provide significant insights not otherwise available. One of the reasons for the production of this publication has been to preserve this information before it is lost. To both a significant vote of thanks is appropriate. Donal has also been able to provide nursery images, both from external sources and from his own resources. A number of others have also provided information or clarification/confirmation of aspects where uncertainty existed. Areas where confusion has existed have been answered or explained in most cases. As with all these publications, they are available FREE from the Friends web site. They can be downloaded by this direct link, or by using the Publications/downloads menu item.  NEWS
PART 1Clippings from newspapers 1839 -1945 News 1 Clipppings  NEWS
PART 2Newspaper pictures and articles; other historic images 1839 -1945 In addition to the above articles, more clippings, especially including images are recorded, as well as further material arising from my Papers Past research. In addition historic images from other sources are also included News 2 Clipppings and images NEWS PART 3
A selection of modern images of the Garden, taken from 1999 to the present day http://friendswbg.org.nz/books/modernpics.pdf Northern Development Northern Development CLICK TO DOWNLOAD This publication owes its origin to two planned walks for the 150th Anniversary events, covering the Anderson Park, rose garden and herb garden area, and secondly the establishment of the peace gardens in the area. 37 pages, over 60 images This area was subjected to major land modification to achieve the current flat areas and is now the most visited area in the garden. The story of the area focuses on this activity. In addition to the normal text and illustrations, it also includes copies of some newspaper reports of some human interest features. WATER FEATURES  A PHOTO ESSAYWater Features CLICK TO DOWNLOAD Water has played a major factor in the development of the character of the WBG site and has provided many of the most appreciated attractions we now enjoy. This publication looks at these features, and includes many images, both historic and modern. It presents some serious views, but primarily is a bit of fun
GARDEN
PEOPLE This
publication tells the story
GARDEN
MISCELLANY This
pulsation looks aspects of the garden not
covered elsewhere in this series.   Garden Miscellany Maps and Plans A selection of maps and plans appropriate to the
garden, showing changes over the years. Maps
and Plans
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD These are reproduced here for your interest and resource. \
The story of the fete held in 1912, and the special post office operating in the garden Posted
under difficulty Donal
Duthie published in the Friends Newsletter some
notes on this interesting and historic event.
This publication expands on that article. The
fete was a community effort which attracted
large crowds. A special feature was a post
office in the garden, where postcards bearing a
'botanic garden' cachet was applied as a
special feature. Only one of these
postcards has survived, and this tells the story
of that card and what else was provided to
entertain visitors, and encourage them to open
their wallets. An
interesting piece of history that has not been
repeated.
Greetings
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD
Nearly 100 postcards are illustrated, plus some 40 images from his own photographs, plus some others. This is an excellent view of the Garden from its earliest years, and a fitting production for the forthcoming 150 year anniversary. ALSO AVAILABLE A PRESENTATION OF THE HISTORY OF THE GARDEN, IN PDF FORM, A pdf PRESENTATION history.pdf ALL PUBLICATIONS ARE FREE All are fully illustrated, and contain much new material and information not generally known about the development of the areas.
Information on the
plant introductions are not covered at this
stage, apart from Pinus
radiata.
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Modern
images from 1999 to current
of
the Wellington Botanic Garden
